In 2019, a group chat friend recommended moxibustion products to me. The product descriptions featured simple photos and unpretentious text, though the prices were slightly high. I purchased a box of moxa sticks and some small tools. During cold weather, I tried them briefly after receiving the package but soon stopped. It wasn’t until March 2020 that I accidentally discovered the store’s live broadcasts featuring a kind and beautiful hostess. She would analyze customers’ constitutions using seemingly simple column charts with surprising accuracy, which I found magical and fascinating. More often, she would chat about moxibustion techniques, daily life, and anxieties triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic with genuine warmth. Though I never watched live streams or used streaming apps, I immediately downloaded Taobao Live and officially became a moxibustion enthusiast.
From initially half-understanding others’ healing experiences and meridian theories, to requesting personalized moxibustion point recommendations based on my constitution test results; from watching live broadcasts to reviewing replays; from following the Taobao store to reading diary entries on their WeChat official account – while absorbing knowledge, I marveled at moxibustion’s remarkable healing power. Gradually I acquired various tools, learned to make DIY metal containers, and practiced moxibustion, cupping, and meridian rolling. Through experiencing the warmth and energy of moxa sticks, I also felt the sincere goodwill embedded in this traditional practice.
Seeing my obsession – constantly quoting the hostess’ advice for two to three months – my husband, who initially complained about the strong herbal smell and high cost, eventually agreed to let me purchase a specialized moxibustion bed. Starting summer 2020, my moxibustion practice became effortless. No more time-consuming preparation with multiple tools – just warming the bed and lying under a thin blanket. During evenings or weekends, I’d relax in the bed while listening to live streams, often drifting into deep, dreamless sleep (unusual for me as a chronic dreamer). Waking up sweaty yet comfortably warm became my new normal.
Following Sister Ye’s guidance, I incorporated weekly arm rolling and moving cupping into my summer heart-nourishing routine. As someone with “upper heat and lower cold” constitution, I gradually experienced sweaty calves, sounder sleep after meridian rolling, and reduced back chilliness. Occasional wind-cold exposure no longer meant fearing headaches or colds – a session in the moxibustion bed with an eye mask would restore me by next morning.
Over the years, I’ve grown to love summers more because shorter bed-warming time makes cupping moxibustion and vacuum cups more convenient. These methods save moxa sticks while effectively dredging meridians and expelling pathogens. This summer vacation, my intensified moxibustion and cupping routine yielded noticeable results by August – significantly improved heat tolerance, with several nights requiring no air conditioning. This suggests better meridian circulation and enhanced self-regulation abilities.
My father dutifully used wooden moxa boxes on his navel daily during this year’s dog days, finding it comfortable. When cupping on Zusanli (ST36) caused blisters, he hesitated to puncture them despite my advice. Coincidentally, Sister Ye released a blister-handling tutorial video, after which he confidently followed the instructions – much to my amusement.
As someone with severe yang deficiency and cold-damp constitution, cupping often leaves me with circular blisters. Last year’s practice resulted in ring-shaped marks, while this year’s marks are mostly solid circles. My husband has grown accustomed to these “body art” displays, occasionally joking about our “masochistic” dedication. Colleagues might get startled, but I no longer bother explaining, focusing instead on anticipating lighter marks next year through persistent effort.
Though moxa products and the specialized bed consume a significant portion of my 4,000+ yuan monthly income, I’ve shifted perspective. Initially calculating costs per session (still cheaper, more convenient and reliable than beauty salons, which I don’t visit anyway), I now focus on optimizing meridian dredging and interpreting bodily feedback. After returning to China, Sister Ye has been sourcing better tools for clients. The innovative moxibustion neck wrap has become my favorite, and the newly launched moxibustion chair, though still in the adaptation phase, has already arrived.
Friends visiting my home immediately notice the distinctive herbal aroma. They’re curious why my study has transformed into a wellness room, often asking to inspect the moxibustion bed. My enthusiastic explanations sometimes make me sound like a sales promoter! When colleagues inquire, I gladly share moxa sticks for them to try.
Beyond financial investment, moxibustion and wellness require substantial time and energy to reveal their subtle benefits. Regardless of others’ opinions, I’ll continue this self-care journey – healing my body and nurturing my mindset through the warm wisdom of moxibustion.
